Spatial conditional convergence analysis of total factor energy efficiency based on industry transfer and technology diffusion

Abstract

Measuring energy efficiency is important to achieve the goal of sustainable economic development. This paper adopts the Malmquist index to measure the trend of regional total factor energy efficiency. This paper analyses the spatial aggregation characteristics of TFEE and the impact mechanism of industrial transfer and technology diffusion on TFEE convergence from a dynamic perspective. The results of the study show that there is a large gap in TFEE between regions in China, with a spatial characteristic of “high in the south and low in the north”. In 2006–2021, the convergence rate of TFEE shows a slowing down trend. Industrial transfer has a negative effect on TFEE. The impact of technology diffusion on TFEE is different in different periods. The impact of researchers, technology market, technology introduction, and import-export on TFEE have significant differences. The convergence rate of the south is higher than that of the north. The impact of industrial transfer and technology diffusion on TFEE in the two parts is different. Policymakers should implement differentiated energy policies based on the characteristics of the industrial structure and technological development of each region. They should actively guide technological innovation, promote industrial diversification, and build a clean and efficient energy system.